It "isn't about being sexy or about who can wear less clothes," the pop star told E! News. "It's about explaining the song and living the lyrics."

The edgy, provocative video introduces the singer as an exotic winged creature on display in a giant birdcage. She dances her way out of a massive nest and - with the help of plenty of sexed-up backup dancers - out of the cage and through the museum that's holding her, all in knee-high boots, dark make-up and lingerie.

In one scene, Cyrus is on a bed of peacock feathers, sporting a $25,000 corset, reports Us magazine. The silver-scale ensemble is made from 2,400 individual metal pieces. Designed by The Blonds, who have also dressed Britney Spears and Rihanna, it debuted in their fall 2010 fashion show.

According to People, shortly after the video premiered the Internet was buzzing with comments, running the gamut from calling it stunning to saying it was completely inappropriate for her age.

"It's the first step to growing up but I think it's done the right way," Cyrus said about the video. "I'm really proud of it."

The singer is no stranger to age-related scandal. She received some heat last year for pole-dancing during her performance of "Party in the USA" at the Teen Choice Awards as well as for a skin-baring Annie Leibovitz photo shoot that appeared in Vanity Fair when she was 15. Earlier this year Cyrus recorded a rock-country ballad with Bret Michaels about getting undressed together.

"Can't Be Tamed" is the title track from the "Hannah Montana" star's upcoming album, due out on June 22.

"For me it's never been about fitting in. I'd rather stand out," she said of the song. "People can relate to it. So many people feel like you have to be one way to fit in."